LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
– 1 –
Chapter 39
(Senate Bill 541)
AN ACT concerning
Natural Resources – Maryland Park Service and State Parks – Alterations
(Great Maryland Outdoors Act)
FOR the purpose of repealing the Park Advisory Commission in the Department of Natural
Resources and establishing the Parks and Recreation Commission in the
Department of Natural Resources to provide oversight of the Maryland Park Service;
addressing infrastructure, capacity, and accessibility needs within the Maryland
Park Service and State parks, including establishing systems and processes for
surveying infrastructure and critical maintenance needs, increasing the number of
Maryland Park Service full–time employees, requiring the Department of Budget
and Management to conduct certain staff reviews, requiring the Department of
Natural Resources to develop a certain capital improvement plan and a
comprehensive long–range strategic plan for the Park Service, requiring the
Department of Legislative Services to hire an independent consultant to study
certain aspects of the Maryland Park Service and State parks, requiring the
Department of Natural Resources to adopt certain design principles and make
certain considerations relating to the accessibility, inclusivity, safety, and location of
State parks, and establishing the Freedman’s State Historical Park and the Port of
Deposit State Historical Park, and authorizing the Department of Natural Resources
to enter into a certain memorandum of understanding or partnership agreement to
establish or manage a partnership park in the State; establishing the Park System
Critical Maintenance Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund to provide funding for
certain critical maintenance projects; requiring interest earnings of the Park System
Critical Maintenance Fund to be credited to the Fund; establishing the Park System
Capital Improvements and Acquisition Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund to provide
funding for certain capital improvement projects and the acquisition of certain land;
requiring interest earnings of the Park System Capital Improvements and
Acquisition Fund to be credited to the Fund; establishing the Great Maryland
Outdoors Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund to provide funding related to outdoor
recreation in the State; requiring interest earnings of the Great Maryland Outdoors
Fund to be credited to the Fund; increasing the amount of Program Open Space
grants awarded to Baltimore City beginning in a certain fiscal year; requiring the
Governor, for a certain fiscal year, to include in the annual budget bill an
appropriation of a certain amount to the Rural Legacy Program, the Park System
Critical Maintenance Fund, the Park System Capital Improvements and Acquisition
Fund, the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Fund, and the Maryland
Agricultural and Resource–Based Industry Development Corporation; authorizing
the Governor, for certain fiscal years, to include in the annual budget bill an
appropriation not exceeding a certain amount to the Great Maryland Outdoors Fund;
extending the termination of certain provisions of law relating to the State Lakes
Protection and Restoration Fund; requiring the Bainbridge Development Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 2 –
Corporation, on or before a certain date, to transfer to the Department a portion of the
Bainbridge Naval Training Center site; requiring the Department of Budget and
Management to revise a certain job title on or before a certain date; and generally
relating to the Maryland Park Service.
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article – Natural Resources
Section 5–204, 5–206(c), 5–307(f), 5–903(a)(2)(ii)2., and 5–9A–01
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
BY adding to
Article – Natural Resources
Section 5–210.1, and 5–220, and 5–221 through 5–222; 5–2A–01 through 5–2A–05
to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 2A. Maryland Park Service”; and
5–1012
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
Article – Natural Resources
Section 5–307(a) through (e) and 5–903(a)(2)(ii)1. and 3.
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
Article – Agriculture
Section 2–505(a) and (b)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2016 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
BY adding to
Article – Agriculture
Section 2–505(i)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2016 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
Article – Economic Development
Section 10–501(a) and (f)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article – Economic Development
Section 10–523(a) LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
– 3 –
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
Article – State Finance and Procurement
Section 6–226(a)(2)(i)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2021 Replacement Volume)
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article – State Finance and Procurement
Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)144. and 145. and 13–109
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2021 Replacement Volume)
BY adding to
Article – State Finance and Procurement
Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)146. and 147. through 148.
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2021 Replacement Volume)
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article – Tax – Property
Section 13–209(g)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2019 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article – Labor and Employment
Section 9–207 and 9–503 9–503(d) and (e)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2016 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article – Tax – General
Section 10–209
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2016 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Chapter 698 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2018
Section 3
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 4 –
Article – Natural Resources
5–204.
(a) (1) There is a Sustainable Forestry Council in the Department.
(2) The purpose of the Council is to advise the Department on all matters
related to:
(i) Sustainable forestry management in the State;
(ii) The expenditure of funds from the Mel Noland Woodland
Incentives Fund under § 5–307 of this title;
(iii) Existing regulatory and statutory policies that are perceived as
economic barriers to a viable forest products industry;
(iv) New markets to enhance forest health, including renewable
energy development through biomass energy, to offset fossil fuel consumption and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions;
(v) Creative strategies to help privately owned forest lands better
compete with real estate market values that are driving forest conversion and
fragmentation;
(vi) The means to promote forest–based economies and processing
capability that contribute to economic and employment growth; and
(vii) Assigning a nutrient efficiency benefit to forest stewardship
plans and other forest conservation management plans that can be measurably tracked and
reported by the number of forested acres covered by the plans.
(b) [There is a Park Advisory Commission in the Department.
(c)] (1) The Sustainable Forestry Council shall have 9 members.
(2) Members of the Council shall be appointed by the Governor, with the
advice of the Secretary, to serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
[(d) (1) The Park Advisory Commission shall have 12 members.
(2) Members of the Park Advisory Commission shall be appointed by the
Governor, with the advice of the Secretary, to serve at the pleasure of the Governor.]
5–206.
LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
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(c) A [park services associate] PARK RANGER who is not commissioned as a law
enforcement officer under subsection (b) of this section may issue a citation for a parking
violation on:
(1) Property owned by the State and managed by the Department;
(2) Public and private property that is within the boundaries of State
property managed by the Department;
(3) Public and private property that adjoins property owned by the State
and managed by the Department; and
(4) A roadway within the boundaries of, or that portion of a roadway that
adjoins, property owned by the State and managed by the Department.
5–210.1.
(A) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL COOR DINATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF
GENERAL SERVICES TO:
(1) DEVELOP AN ELECTRONIC ASSET MANAGEMENT SYS TEM FOR ITS
INFRASTRUCTURE , INCLUDING:
(I) A LIST OF MAINTENANCE PROJECTS AT EACH SIT E; AND
(II) THE STATUS OF EACH MA INTENANCE PROJECT ; AND
(III) THE DATE ON WHICH EAC H PROJECT WAS ADDED TO THE
SYSTEM; AND
(IV) FEATURES THAT ALLOW T HE DEPARTMENT TO MANAGE
THE PLANNING , SCHEDULING , WORK ORDER , AND COST OF EACH MAI NTENANCE
PROJECT;
(2) DEVELOP A FACILITY CO NDITION INDEX ASSESS MENT PROCESS
FOR ALL PARK SERVICE SITES, MODELED AFTER THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE’S
FACILITY CONDITION I NDEX; AND
(3) ESTABLISH A DEDICATED ASSET EVALUATION TEA M TO:
(I) ASSESS THE CONDITION OF MARYLAND PARK SERVICE
SITES STRUCTURES , INFRASTRUCTURE , AND LANDSCAPES ; AND
(II) UPDATE INDIVIDUAL FAC ILITY CONDITION INDICES ON AN
ONGOING BASIS ; AND Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(III) CROSS–REFERENCE THE CONDIT ION OF PARK SERVICE
SITES AND FACILITY C ONDITION INDICES WIT H THE DISTRIBUTION O F PARK
SERVICE ASSETS WITHIN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTIC E COMMUNITIES AS IDE NTIFIED
BY THE DEPARTMENT USI NG THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE SCREEN
TOOL.
(B) WHEN DETERMINING WHET HER TO REPAIR OR REP LACE
INFRASTRUCTURE WITH SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLO GY, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL
CONSIDER HOW THE REP LACEMENT VALUE OF AN ASSET WILL CHANGE IF ONLY
SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLO GY IS USED, INCLUDING ANY ONGOIN G COST SAVINGS.
(C) (1) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL :
(I) TAKE INVENTORY OF ALL STATE LAND MANAGED BY THE
DEPARTMENT , INCLUDING:
1. ACREAGE;
2. ANY STRUCTURES ON EAC H PROPERTY; AND
3. THE USE OF EACH PROPE RTY; AND
4. WHETHER A PROPERTY IS LOCATED WITHIN AN
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTIC E COMMUNITY AS IDENT IFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT USING
THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE SCREEN TOOL;
(II) DEVELOP A MAINTENANCE PROJECT PRIORITIZATI ON
PROCESS MODELED AFTER THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE’S ASSET PRIORITY IND EX
THAT INCLUDES A LAYE R INDICATING WHETHER A MAINTENANCE PROJEC T IS
LOCATED IN AN ENVIRO NMENTAL JUSTICE COMM UNITY AS IDENTIFIED BY THE
DEPARTMENT USING THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE SCREEN TOOL;
AND
(III) DEVELOP AND PUBLISH O N ITS WEBSITE A LIST OF
MAINTENANCE PROJECTS IN EVERY UNIT OF THE STATE PARK SYSTEM THA T ARE
EXPECTED TO COST MOR E THAN $25,000.
(2) (I) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL COND UCT A SYSTEMWIDE
SURVEY OF HISTORICAL AND CULTURA L RESOURCES WITH A FOCUS ON RACI AL AND
LINGUISTIC INCLUSIVI TY, INCLUDING AN ESTIMAT ION OF RESTORATION ,
PRESERVATION , AND MAINTENANCE COST S.
LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
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(II) THE DEPARTMENT MAY NOT DE LAY THE PRESERVATION
AND RESTORATION OF H ISTORICAL AND CULTUR AL RESOURCES WHILE
CONDUCTING THE SYSTEMW IDE SURVEY.
5–220.
(A) IN THIS SECTION , “FUND” MEANS THE PARK SYSTEM CRITICAL
MAINTENANCE FUND.
(B) THERE IS A PARK SYSTEM CRITICAL MAINTENANCE FUND.
(C) THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS TO PROVIDE FU NDING FOR COMPLETING
STATE PROJECTS THAT ADDRESS CRITICA L MAINTENANCE CONCER NS ON LANDS
MANAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES.
(D) THE SECRETARY SHALL ADMIN ISTER THE FUND.
(E) (1) THE FUND IS A SPECIAL , NONLAPSING FUND THAT IS NOT
SUBJECT TO § 7–302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE.
(2) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL HOLD THE FUND SEPARATELY ,
AND THE COMPTROLLER SHALL ACC OUNT FOR THE FUND.
(F) THE FUND CONSISTS OF :
(1) REVENUE DISTRIBUTED T O THE FUND UNDER § 13–209(G) OF THE
TAX – PROPERTY ARTICLE;
(2) MONEY APPROPRIATED IN THE STATE BUDGET TO THE FUND;
(3) INTEREST EARNINGS ; AND
(4) ANY OTHER MONEY FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE ACC EPTED FOR
THE BENEFIT OF THE FUND.
(G) THE FUND MAY BE USED ONLY FOR STATE PARK PROJECTS THAT
ADDRESS CRITICAL MAI NTENANCE CONCERNS ON LANDS MA NAGED BY THE
DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES.
(H) (1) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL INVES T THE MONEY OF THE FUND
IN THE SAME MANNER A S OTHER STATE MONEY MAY BE IN VESTED.
(2) ANY INTEREST EARNINGS OF THE FUND SHALL BE CREDITE D TO
THE FUND. Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(I) EXPENDITURES FROM THE FUND MAY BE MADE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE STATE BUDGET .
(J) MONEY EXPENDED FROM T HE FUND FOR CRITICAL MAI NTENANCE IN
THE STATE’S PARKS IS SUPPLEMEN TAL TO AND IS NOT IN TENDED TO TAKE THE
PLACE OF FUNDING THA T OTHERWISE WO ULD BE APPROPRIATED FOR CRITICAL
MAINTENANCE IN THE STATE’S PARKS.
(K) (1) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 ONLY, THE GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUD E IN
THE ANNUAL BUDGET BI LL A GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF
$80,000,000 $70,000,000 TO THE FUND FOR STATE PROJECT S THAT ADDRESS
CRITICAL MAINTENANCE CONCERNS ON LANDS MA NAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT
FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES .
(2) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL EXPE ND THE FUNDS ALLOCAT ED
UNDER THIS SUBSECTIO N BEFORE JULY 1, 2026.
5–221.
(A) IN THIS SECTION , “FUND” MEANS THE PARK SYSTEM CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS AND ACQUISITION FUND.
(B) THERE IS A PARK SYSTEM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND ACQUISITION
FUND.
(C) THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS TO PROVIDE FU NDING FOR:
(1) COMPLETING STATE PARK PROJECTS RELATED TO CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS ON LANDS MANAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES;
AND
(2) ACQUIRING LAND TO BE MANAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR
PUBLIC PURPOSES AS A STATE PARK.
(D) THE SECRETARY SHALL ADMIN ISTER THE FUND.
(E) (1) THE FUND IS A SPECIAL , NONLAPSING FUND THAT IS NOT
SUBJECT TO § 7–302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE.
(2) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL HOLD THE FUND SEPARATELY ,
AND THE COMPTROLLER SHALL ACC OUNT FOR THE FUND.
(F) THE FUND CONSISTS OF : LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
– 9 –
(1) MONEY APPROPRIATED IN THE STATE BUDGET TO THE FUND;
(2) INTEREST EARNINGS ; AND
(3) ANY OTHER MONEY FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE ACC EPTED FOR
THE BENEFIT OF THE FUND.
(G) THE FUND MAY BE USED ONLY FOR:
(1) COMPLETING STATE PARK PROJECTS RELATED TO CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS ON LAND S MANAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES;
AND
(2) ACQUIRING LAND TO BE MANAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR
PUBLIC PURPOSES AS A STATE PARK.
(H) (1) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL INVES T THE MONEY OF THE FUND
IN THE SAME MANNER A S OTHER STATE MONEY MAY BE IN VESTED.
(2) ANY INTEREST EARNINGS OF THE FUND SHALL BE CREDITE D TO
THE FUND.
(I) EXPENDITURES FROM THE FUND MAY BE MADE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE STATE BUDGET .
(J) MONEY EXPENDED FROM T HE FUND FOR CAPITAL IMPR OVEMENTS IN
THE STATE’S PARKS IS SUPPLEMEN TAL TO AND IS NOT INTENDED TO T AKE THE
PLACE OF FUNDING THA T OTHERWISE WOULD BE APPROPRIATED FOR CAP ITAL
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE STATE’S PARKS AND THE ACQU ISITION OF LAND BY T HE
DEPARTMENT THAT WILL BE MANAGED FOR PUBLI C PURPOSES.
(K) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 ONLY, THE GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUDE IN THE
ANNUAL BUDGET BILL A GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF
$70,000,000 $36,873,928 TO THE FUND TO BE USED AS FOLLOW S:.
(L) THE FIRST $70,000,000 RECEIVED BY THE FUND MAY BE USED ONLY AS
FOLLOWS:
(1) $5,000,000 FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJE CTS THAT MITIGATE
THE EFFECTS OF CLIMA TE CHANGE, INCLUDING:
(I) FLOOD BARRIERS ;
Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(II) FOREST BUFFERS ;
(III) GREEN SPACES;
(IV) BUILDING ELEVATION ;
(V) STORMWATER INFRASTRUC TURE; AND
(VI) WETLANDS RESTORATION ; AND
(VII) ADDRESSING ENVIRONMEN TAL JUSTICE CONCERNS ;
(2) $5,000,000 FOR HISTORIC PRESERV ATION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SUBSECTION (M) OF THIS SECTION;
(3) $20,000,000 FOR TRANSPORTATION I MPROVEMENTS ,
INCLUDING:
(I) IMPROVING BIKE LANES AND TRAILS , INCREASING
WALKABILITY, AND EXPANDING PARKIN G AVAILABILITY; AND
(II) TARGETING TRANSPORTAT ION INVESTMENTS TO A VOID
CAPACITY SHUTDOWNS ;
(4) $10,000,000 FOR INCREASING WATER ACCESS, INCLUDING KAYAK
AND BOAT LAUNCHES AN D AREAS FOR PICNICKI NG NEAR WATER AND SWIMMING ;
AND
(5) $30,000,000 FOR LAND ACQUISITION , INCLUDING:
(I) AREAS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN REGIONS OF THE
STATE THAT WILL:
1. RELIEVE OVERCROWDING AT EXISTING STATE
PARKS; AND
2. EXPAND PUBLIC ACCESS TO STATE PARKS AND
OUTDOOR RECREATION ;
(II) SITES WITH HISTORICAL SIGN IFICANCE TO MINORITY
COMMUNITIES OF SIGNIFICANCE TO T HE HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN, ASIAN,
INDIGENOUS OR NATIVE AMERICAN, AND HISPANIC OR LATINO POPULATIONS IN
THE STATE; AND
LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
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(III) BEACHFRONT OR WATERFR ONT PROPERTY FOR PUB LIC
ACCESS.
(M) FUNDING FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION UNDER S UBSECTION (L) OF
THIS SECTION SHALL B E USED TO PROVIDE GR ANTS TO, PARTICIPATE IN
COOPERATIVE AGREEMEN TS WITH, OR USE OTHER FINANCI AL INSTRUMENTS TO
FUND TH E REHABILITATION OF STATE–OWNED HISTORIC RESOU RCES IN THE
MARYLAND STATE PARK SYSTEM PERFORMED BY A NONGOVERNMENTAL
ORGANIZATION CAPABLE OF:
(1) PROJECT MANAGEMENT ;
(2) HISTORIC REHABILITATI ON;
(3) PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT ; OR
(4) PUBLIC SERVICE CO RPS MANAGEMENT .
(N) IF THE FUND RECEIVES MORE TH AN $70,000,000, THE DEPARTMENT
MAY USE UP TO $10,000,000 FOR ANY OF THE PURPO SES IDENTIFIED UNDER
SUBSECTION (L) OF THIS SECTION, INCLUDING LAND:
(1) LAND ACTIVATION AND NEW;
(2) NEW STRUCTURES ; AND
(3) ANY CAPITAL IMPROVEME NTS NECESSARY TO MAK E STATE PARKS
ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES , INCLUDING PROVIDING ADULT
CHANGING TABLES .
5–222.
(A) IN THIS SECTION, “FUND” MEANS THE GREAT MARYLAND OUTDOORS
FUND.
(B) THERE IS A GREAT MARYLAND OUTDOORS FUND IN THE DEPARTMENT .
(C) THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS TO:
(1) SUPPORT THE OFFICE OF OUTDOOR RECREATION IN THE
DEPARTMENT ;
(2) PROVIDE RESOURCES TO IMPROVE EXISTING AND CREATE NEW
OUTDOOR RECREATION O PPORTUNITIES ; AND Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 12 –
(3) IMPLEMENT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF T HE MARYLAND
OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMIC COMMISSION TO PROMOTE AND GROW THE
OUTDOOR RECREATION S ECTOR IN THE STATE.
(D) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADMI NISTER THE FUND.
(E) (1) THE FUND IS A SPECIAL , NONLAPSING FUND THAT IS NOT
SUBJECT TO § 7–302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE.
(2) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL HOLD THE FUND SEPARATELY ,
AND THE COMPTROLLER SHALL ACC OUNT FOR THE FUND.
(F) THE FUND CONSISTS OF :
(1) MONEY APPROPRIATED IN THE STATE BUDGET TO THE FUND IN
ACCORDANCE WITH SUBSECTION (J) OF THIS SECTION;
(2) INTEREST EARNINGS OF THE FUND; AND
(3) ANY OTHER MONEY FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE ACC EPTED FOR
THE BENEFIT OF THE FUND.
(G) THE FUND MAY BE USED ONLY FOR:
(1) IMPLEMENTING THE RECO MMENDATIONS OF THE MARYLAND
OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMIC COMMISSION, INCLUDING ESTABLISHI NG AND
SUPPORTING AN OFFICE OF OUTDOOR RECREATION IN THE DEPARTMENT ;
(2) DEPARTMENT PROJECTS A ND PROGRAMS THAT PRO VIDE,
PROMOTE, AND ENHANCE OU TDOOR RECREATION OPP ORTUNITIES IN THE STATE;
AND
(3) AWARDING GRANTS TO DE STINATION MARKETING
ORGANIZATIONS FOR TH E PURPOSE OF PROMOTI NG AND MARKETING STATE PARKS.
(H) (1) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL INVES T THE MONEY OF THE FUND
IN THE SAME MANNER A S OTHER STATE MONEY MAY BE IN VESTED.
(2) ANY INTEREST OR INVES TMENT EARNINGS OF TH E FUND SHALL
BE CREDITED TO THE FUND.
(I) EXPENDITURES FROM THE FUND MAY BE MADE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE STATE BUDGET . LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
– 13 –
(J) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 AND EACH FISCAL YEAR THEREAFTER , THE
GOVERNOR MAY INCLUDE IN THE ANNUAL BUDGET BILL AN APPROPRIATIO N NOT
EXCEEDING $3,000,000 TO THE FUND.
(K) MONEY EXPENDED FROM T HE FUND FOR EXISTING PRO GRAMS IN THE
DEPARTMENT THAT PROVI DE, PROMOTE, AND ENHANCE OUTDOOR RECREATION
OPPORTUNI TIES IS SUPPLEMENTAL TO AND IS NOT INTEND ED TO TAKE THE PLACE
OF FUNDING THAT OTHE RWISE WOULD BE APPRO PRIATED FOR THOSE PR OGRAMS.
SUBTITLE 2A. MARYLAND PARK SERVICE.
5–2A–01.
(A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS
INDICATED.
(B) “COMMISSION” MEANS THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION.
(C) “PARK SERVICE” MEANS THE MARYLAND PARK SERVICE.
5–2A–02.
(A) (1) ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 2024, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL
INCREASE THE NUMBER OF FULL–TIME EMPLOYEES IN TH E PARK SERVICE BY 100
PERMANE NT, CLASSIFIED POSITIONS .
(2) EACH STAFF POSITION R EQUIRED UNDER PARAGR APH (1) OF
THIS SUBSECTION SHAL L BE ACCOMPANIED BY A SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGE T
ALLOCATION TO PROVID E ADEQUATE SUPPORT F OR EACH EMPLOYEE .
(3) THE STAFF POSITIONS R EQUIRED UNDER PARAGR APH (1) OF THIS
SUBSECTION SHALL INC LUDE:
(I) FIVE POSITIONS IN THE ENGINEERING AND
CONSTRUCTION UNIT;
(II) FIVE POSITIONS IN THE LAND ACQUISITION AND PLANNING
UNIT; AND
(III) ONE VOLUNTEER MANAGEM ENT PROGRAM COORDINA TOR.
Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 14 –
(A) (1) (I) ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 1, 2023, THE DEPARTMENT OF
BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT SHALL INCR EASE THE NUMBER OF F ULL–TIME
EMPLOYEES IN THE DEPARTMENT BY 100 PERMANENT , CLASSIFIED POSITIONS .
(II) THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT SHALL
BUDGET THE 100 POSITIONS REQUI RED UNDER SUBPARAGRA PH (I) OF THIS
PARAGRAPH AS FOLLOWS :
1. 90 POSITIONS IN THE PARK SERVICE, INCLUDING 1
VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM COORDINATOR ;
2. 5 POSITIONS IN THE ENGINEERING AND
CONSTRUCTION UNIT; AND
3. 5 3 POSITIONS IN THE LAND ACQUISITION AND
PLANNING UNIT; AND
4. 2 ASSISTANT ATTORNEYS GENERAL WITH
EXPERIENCE IN REAL E STATE LAW ASSIGNED T O THE DEPARTMENT AND
DESIGNATED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO ADVISE ON REAL ESTATE AND
TRANSACTIONAL MATTER S.
(2) TWO OF THE POSITIONS IN THE LAND ACQUISITION AND
PLANNING UNIT SHALL BE FILLED BY ASSISTANT ATTORNE YS GENERAL IN THE
STATE WITH EXPERIENCE IN REAL ESTATE LAW .
(3) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024, THE GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUD E IN THE
ANNUAL BUDGET BILL A N APPROPRIATION OF $12,000,000 TO FUND THE 100
PERMANENT , CLASSIFIED POSITIONS REQUIRED UNDER PARAG RAPH (1) OF THIS
SUBSECTION AND RELAT ED OPERATING COSTS .
(B) (1) THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT SHALL :
(I) CONDUCT A STAFF ADEQU ACY REVIEW OF THE PARK
SERVICE EVERY 2 YEARS; AND
(II) REPORT ITS FINDINGS T O THE COMMISSION AND , IN
ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY.
(2) AS A PART OF THE REPO RT UNDER PARAGRAPH (1)(II) OF THIS
SUBSECTION, THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT SHAL L CONSIDER
STAFFING GOALS FOR T HE PARK SERVICE. LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
– 15 –
(C) (1) THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT SHALL :
(I) CONDUCT A STAFF SALAR Y REVIEW OF THE PARK SERVICE
EVERY 3 YEARS; AND
(II) REPORT ITS FINDINGS T O THE COMMISSION AND , IN
ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY.
(2) THE SALARY REVIEW REQ UIRED UNDER PARAGRAP H (1)(I) OF
THIS SUBSECTION SHAL L FOCUS ON THE GOALS OF IMPROVING :
(I) HIRING BY COMPENSATIN G PARK SERVICE EMPLOYEES AT
A LEVEL COMMENSURATE WITH:
1. LOCAL PARK SYSTEMS ;
2. THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE; AND
3. FOR PARK SERVICE MAINTENANCE P ERSONNEL WHO
PERFORM SKILLED AND LICENSED TRADE FUNCT IONS, THE PRIVATE SECTOR ; AND
(II) RETENTION BY PROMOTIN G UPWARD MOBILITY WI THIN A
JOB SERIES.
(D) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL RECO GNIZE PARK SERVICE ASSOCIATES AN D
FOREST RANGERS , PARK RANGERS , AND WILDLIFE RANGERS AS EMERGENCY
SERVICES PERSONNEL .
(E) (1) (I) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL IMPL EMENT A VOLUNTEER
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM T O STRATEGICALLY MANA GE VOLUNTEER SERVICE S
PROVIDED BY INDIVIDU ALS AND STATE PARKS FRIENDS G ROUPS.
(II) THE VOLUNTEER MANAGEM ENT PROGRAM IMPLEMEN TED
UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL BE MODELED ON THE
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE’S VOLUNTEERS–IN–PARKS PROGRAM .
(2) THE VOLUNTEER MANAGEM ENT PROGRAM SHALL BE MANAGED
BY A VOLUNTEER PROGR AM MANAGER DEDICATED TO OVERSEEING THE
VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.
(3) THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM MANAGER SHALL :
Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 16 –
(I) CONDUCT ANNUAL TRAINI NG FOR STAFF AND VOL UNTEERS;
(II) DEVELOP AND PROMOTE V OLUNTEER OPPORTUNITI ES;
(III) PERFORM AUDITS , EVALUATIONS , AND MONITORING TO
DETERMINE THE EFFICA CY OF THE VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ; AND
(IV) DEVELOP AN ANNUAL REP ORT ON VOLUNTEER STA TISTICS
AND IMPACTS.
(F) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL EXPA ND ITS WORK WITH PAR K–FOCUSED
ORGANIZATIONS TO LEV ERAGE CHARITABLE FUN DING FOR PARK ENHANC EMENTS.
5–2A–03.
(A) (1) THERE IS A PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION IN THE
DEPARTMENT .
(2) THE PURPOSE OF THE COMMISSION IS TO PROV IDE OVERSIGHT
OF THE PARK SERVICE.
(B) THE COMMISSION SHALL CONS IST OF THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS:
(1) A CHAIR, APPOINTED JOINTLY BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE
SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE;
(2) TWO MEMBERS OF THE SENATE OF MARYLAND, APPOINTED BY
THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE;
(3) TWO MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, APPOINTED BY
THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE; AND
(4) ONE CITIZEN MEMBER , APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE
SENATE;
(5) ONE CITIZEN MEMBER , APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE
HOUSE; AND
(4) (6) FOUR MEMBERS , APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, WHO
REFLECT THE RACIAL , GENDER, ETHNIC, AND GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY OF THE
STATE; AND
LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
– 17 –
(7) TWO MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL
JUSTICE AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES , DESIGNATED BY THE CHAIR OF THE
COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES .
(C) THE DEPARTMENT OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICES SHALL PROVIDE STAFF
FOR THE COMMISSION.
(D) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ANNU ALLY PROVIDE THE COMMISSION WITH
A BRIEFING ON THE ST ATUS OF THE PARK SERVICE AND PARK SYST EM, INCLUDING:
(1) THE NUMBER OF ANNUAL CAPACITY CLOSURES , LISTED BY
LOCATION;
(2) THE CRITICAL MAINTENA NCE BACKLOG ;
(3) VACANT STAFF POSITION S; AND
(4) A DESCRIPTION OF THE C ONDITION OF THE PARK SYSTEM’S
NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES, INCLUDING ANY VULNER ABILITIES; AND
(5) ANY OTHER INFORMATION :
(I) RELATED TO THE FUNCTIONING OF THE PARK SERVICE; OR
(II) REQUESTED BY THE MEMB ERS OF THE COMMISSION.
(E) THE COMMISSION SHALL MEET QUARTERLY TO REVIEW THE STATUS OF
THE PARK SERVICE.
(F) (1) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2024, AND EACH DECEMBER 1
THEREAFTER , THE COMMISSION SHALL SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE SENATE BUDGET
AND TAXATION COMMITTEE, THE SENATE EDUCATION, HEALTH, AND
ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, THE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS
COMMITTEE, AND THE HOUSE ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE.
(2) THE REPORT SUBMITTED UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS
SUBSECTION SHALL INC LUDE THE COMMISSION’S:
(I) FINDINGS ON THE STATU S OF THE PARK SERVICE; AND
(II) RECOMMENDATIONS ON HO W THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
CAN SUPPORT THE PARK SERVICE.
Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 18 –
5–2A–04.
(A) (1) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2023, AND EVERY 5 YEARS
THEREAFTER , THE DEPARTMENT SHALL DEVE LOP AND PUBLISH A 5–YEAR CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR THE PARK SERVICE.
(2) IN DEVELOPING THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN, THE
DEPARTMENT SHALL , IN COORDINATION WITH THE COMMISSION, ANNUALLY HOLD
AT LEAST ONE PUBLIC HEARING WITH THE OPP ORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.
(3) THE 5–YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN SHALL INCLUDE :
(I) A LIST OF ALL OUTSTAND ING CRITICAL MAINTEN ANCE
PROJECTS AND THE PROJECT ED COST OF EACH PROJ ECT;
(II) A PRIORITIZATION OF CR ITICAL MAINTENANCE P ROJECTS
AND AN EXPLANATION O F THE PROCESS FOR PR IORITIZING THE PROJE CTS; AND
(III) SCORING AND RANKING F OR EACH CRITICAL MAI NTENANCE
PROJECT, AS DETERMINED BY THE PRIORITIZATION PROCE SS.
(4) THE 5–YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN SHALL INCLUDE TH E
INFORMATION REQUIRED UNDER PARAGRAPH (3) OF THIS SUBSECTION
DISAGGREGATED BY REG ION.
(5) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SUBM IT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY,
IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE 5–YEAR
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR THE PARK SERVICE.
(B) (1) THE DEPARTMENT OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICES SHALL HIRE A N
INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT TO CONDUC T AN INDEPENDENT STU DY OF:
(I) WHETHER THE PARK SERVICE IS PRODUCING OUTCOMES
CONSISTENT WITH ITS MISSION;
(II) THE VISITOR EXPERIENC E FOR STATE PARKS, INCLUDING:
1. PARKING AVAILABILITY ;
2. CLEANLINESS; AND
3. WHETHER FACILITIES , AMENITIES, OR AREAS ARE
CLOSED, INCLUDING WHETHER TH E CLOSURES ARE DUE T O DEFERRED
MAINTENANCE ; AND LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
– 19 –
(III) HOW FUNDING CAN BE US ED TO ENABLE THE PARK
SERVICE TO PRODUCE OU TCOMES CONSISTENT WI TH ITS MISSION; AND
(IV) HOW PARK SERVICE PROJECTS CAN SU PPORT:
1. CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGA TION, ADAPTATION, AND
RESILIENCY; AND
2. PUBLIC HEALTH .
(2) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2023, THE INDEPENDENT
CONSULTANT SHALL SUB MIT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE
GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, A REPORT ON ITS FIND INGS AND RECOMMENDAT IONS TO
THE COMMISSION.
(C) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL :
(1) RECOGNIZE AS A FORMAL POLICY THAT THE STATE’S FORESTS,
TREES, AND WETLANDS ARE A M AJOR TOOL FOR ADDRES SING CLIMATE CHANGE
WITH REGARD TO MITIG ATION, ADAPTATION, AND RESILIENCY ; AND
(2) REQUIRE ALL PARK SERVICE PROJECTS TO C ONTRIBUTE, TO THE
EXTENT POSS IBLE, TO THE IMPROVEMENT O F LOCAL WATER QUALIT Y.
(D) (1) THE PARK SERVICE SHALL ADOPT U NIVERSAL DESIGN
PRINCIPLES IN ITS PR OGRAMMING AND AMENIT IES TO ENSURE MAXIMU M ACCESS
BY ALL PEOPLE, INCLUDING PEOPLE WIT H DISABILITIES AND S ENIORS. AND SAFETY
FOR ALL RESIDENTS AND VISITO RS, ESPECIALLY PEOPLE WI TH DISABILITIES,
OLDER ADULTS , AND SENIORS.
(2) TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILI TY FOR INDIVIDUALS W HO ARE DEAF ,
BLIND, OR BOTH, THE PARK SERVICE WEBSITE AND A LL OTHER DIGITAL OUT REACH
PLATFORMS SHALL ADHE RE TO WEB CONTENT ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES 2.1
AND SECTION 508 OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT.
(E) THE PARK SERVICE SHALL ADOPT D ESIGN PRINCIPLES REL ATED TO
CRIME PREVENTION IN ITS PROGRAMMING AND AMENITIES TO ENSURE MAXIMUM
PUBLIC SAFETY FOR AL L RESIDENTS AND VISITORS.
(F) (1) THE DEPARTMENT ’S DECISIONS RELATED TO THE LOCATION AND
ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW STATE PARKS OR AMENIT IES SHALL TARGET ARE AS:
Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(I) IDENTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT ’S PARK EQUITY TOOL A S
IN NEED OF RECREATIO NAL OPPORTUNITIES ; OR
(II) THAT WOULD RELIEVE OVERCR OWDING IN EXISTING STATE
PARKS THAT HAVE CONS ISTENTLY HAD TO CLOS E TO THE PUBLIC DUE TO CAPACITY
RESTRICTIONS .
(2) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CONS IDER THE CULTURAL AN D
ECOLOGICAL CARRYING CAPACITIES OF STATE PARK AREAS WHEN EXAMINING THE
DEVELOPMENT OF NEW A MENITIES IN EXISTING STATE PARKS.
(3) THE DEPARTMENT ’S DECISIONS RELATED TO THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF STATE HISTORICAL PARK S OR OTHER UNITS THA T PRESERVE
AND INTERPRET THE STORY OF HISTORICALL Y UNDERSERVED , MINORITY, AND
OTHER UNDERREPRES ENTED COMMUNITIES HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN,
ASIAN, INDIGENOUS OR NATIVE AMERICAN, AND HISPANIC OR LATINO
POPULATIONS IN THE STATE SHALL BE MADE :
(I) IN COORDINATION WITH THE COMMISSION; AND
(II) WITH INPUT FROM GROUP S ACTIVE IN THE PRES ERVATION
OF HISTORICAL SITES OF UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES , INCLUDING:
1. THE COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES ;
2. THE COMMISSION ON AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY
AND CULTURE;
3. THE GOVERNOR’S COMMISSION ON ASIAN PACIFIC
AMERICAN AFFAIRS;
4. THE COMMISSION ON INDIAN AFFAIRS; AND
5. THE OFFICE OF IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS.
5–2A–05.
(A) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL :
(1) DEVELOP AND PUBLISH A COMPREHENSIVE LONG–RANGE
STRATEGIC PLAN BY DECEMBER 1, 2023; AND
LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
– 21 –
(2) UPDATE THE COMPREHENSIVE LONG–RANGE STRATEGIC PLAN
EVERY 5 YEARS TO REFLECT MAJ OR GOALS AND PROGRES S TOWARD MEETING
THOSE GOALS; AND
(3) SUBMIT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH §
2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE COMPREHENSIVE
LONG–RANGE STRATEGIC PLAN AND ANY UPDATES TO THE PLAN.
(B) THE COMPREHENSIVE LONG–RANGE STRATEGIC PLAN SHALL
INCLUDE:
(1) THE FEASIBILITY OF:
(I) ESTABLISHING NEW STATE PARKS THROUGH:
1. LAND ACQUISITION ; OR
2. REDESIGNATING EXISTIN G STATE LAND, INCLUDING
CEDARVILLE STATE FOREST, TO BE A STATE PARK; AND
(II) DEVELOPING NEW AMENIT IES IN CURRENT STATE PARKS,
INCLUDING:
1. TRAILS AND TRAIL CONNECTORS ;
2. WATER ACCESS;
3. PARKING AREAS ; AND
4. OTHER CAPITAL IMPROVE MENTS THAT INCREASE
PARK CAPACITY ;
(2) NEW STATE HISTORICAL PARK S OR OTHER UNITS THA T
PRESERVE AND INTERPR ET THE STORY OF MINORITIES AND OTHER
UNDERREPRESENTED COM MUNITIES HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN, ASIAN,
INDIGENOUS OR NATIVE AMERICAN, AND HISPANIC OR LATINO POPULATIONS IN
THE STATE;
(3) A MULTILATERAL , WHOLE–SYSTEM PLAN FOR OUTD OOR
RECREATION IN THE STATE, INCLUDING:
(I) THE RESULTS OF ANY CO ORDINATION BETWEEN T HE
DEPARTMENT AND COUNTY , MUNICIPAL, AND FEDERAL PARK SYS TEMS TO
INCREASE TRAIL CONN ECTIVITY BETWEEN PAR K SYSTEMS; AND Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 22 –
(II) AN ECONOMIC A PARTNERSHIP PLAN DEVELOPED BY TH E
DEPARTMENT IN CONSULT ATION WITH:
1. THE OFFICE OF OUTDOOR RECREATION;
2. THE PARK SERVICE’S BUSINESS MANAGER ;
3. COUNTY TOURISM ENTITI ES AND ECONOM IC
DEVELOPMENT OFFICES ;
4. THE MARYLAND MUNICIPAL LEAGUE;
5. THE MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES; AND
6. THE OUTDOOR RECREATION ROUNDTABLE ; AND
7. THE COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES ;
(4) THE FEASIBILITY OF EX PANDING THE DAY –USE RESERVATION
SYSTEM BEYOND THE FALLING BRANCH AREA OF ROCKS STATE PARK TO ALL
PARKS EXPERIENCING C APACITY SHUTDOWNS , INCLUDING CONSIDERAT IONS ON
HOW THE EXPANSION OF THE DAY–USE RESERVATION SYST EM MAY IMPACT STATE
PARK VISITORS IN TERMS OF EQUITY AND ACCESS ;
(5) AN ANALYSIS OF HOW TH E DEPARTMENT CAN INTEGR ATE
INFRASTRUCTURE MESSA GING WITH THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AND LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS , INCLUDING THE DEVELO PMENT AND MAINTENANC E OF A
COORDINATED WEBSITE AND DIGITAL APPLICATION THAT PRO VIDES INFORMATION
ON:
(I) WHERE PARKS AND OPEN SPACES ARE LOCATED ;
(II) AVAILABLE AMENITIES ; AND
(III) REAL–TIME INFORMATION ON THE OPERATIONAL STAT US
OF A PARK, INCLUDING CAPACITY ;
(6) LONG–TERM MEASURES TO :
(I) RECRUIT AND RETAIN PEOPLE OF COLOR AND BILINGUAL
STAFF INTO PARK SERVICE POSITIONS A DIVERSE PARK SERVICE WORKFORCE , IN LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
– 23 –
ACCORDANCE WITH THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE’S DIVERSITY STRATEGY UNDER
DIRECTOR’S ORDER #16B; AND
(II) PROVIDE ONGOING UPDAT ES ON EFFORTS TO RECRUIT AND
RETAIN A DIVERSE PARK SERVICE WORKFORCE ;
(7) DETAILS AND UPDATES O N THE CREATION AND IMPLEME NTATION
OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OF PROGRAMS, INCLUDING:
(I) PROGRAMS IN COLLABORATION WIT H THE STATE’S
HISTORICALLY BLACK C OLLEGES AND UNIVERSI TIES; THAT ARE:
(I) (II) MODELED PROGRAMS MODELED ON THE CADET
PROGRAMS IMPLEMENTED BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SERVICE’S DIVERSITY
STRATEGY UNDER DIRECTOR’S ORDER #16B; AND
(II) (III) FOCUSED PROGRAMS FOCUSED ON CREATING A
PIPELINE OF NEW RANG ERS AND OTHER FULL –TIME STAFF FROM AMON G
VOLUNTEERS , THE STATE FOSTER YOUTH SY STEM, AND HISTORICALLY
UNDERSERVED COMMUNIT IES; AND
(8) THE RESULTS OF:
(I) IMPLEMENTING A VOLUNT EER MANAGEMENT PROGR AM
UNDER § 5–2A–02(E) OF THIS SUBTITLE;
(II) LEVERAGING CHARITABLE FUNDING FOR PARK
ENHANCEMENTS UNDER § 5–2A–02(F) OF THIS SUBTITLE; AND
(III) ANY COLLABORATION BET WEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND
THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND LO CAL TRANSPORTATION A GENCIES
TO IMPROVE BICYCLE , SIDEWALK, AND TRAIL ACCESS TO STATE PARKS.
5–2A–06.
IT IS THE INTENT OF T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT THE PARK SERVICE
IDENTIFY AND ACQUIRE LAND TO BE USED FOR A STATE PARK IN PRINCE GEORGE’S
COUNTY WITHIN THE BOU NDARY CREATED BY INTERSTATE 495 IN THE STATE AND
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
5–307.
(a) In this section, “Fund” means the Mel Noland Woodland Incentives and
Fellowship Fund. Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 24 –
(b) There is a Mel Noland Woodland Incentives and Fellowship Fund in the
Department.
(c) The purpose of the Fund is to finance:
(1) The Woodland Incentives Program and the cost –share assistance
established under this subtitle; and
(2) The Mel Noland Fellowship Program established under this subtitle.
(d) The Department shall administer the Fund.
(e) (1) The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of
the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(2) The Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall
account for the Fund.
(f) (1) The Fund consists of:
(i) As provided in § 13–306 of the Tax – Property Article, up to
$200,000 annually of the proceeds of the tax imposed by § 13–302 of the Tax – Property
Article that are attributable to the taxation of instruments of writing that transfer title to
parcels of land that are entirely woodland;
(ii) Revenues collected by the Department from the payment of
charges imposed for Department assistance in implementation of an approved practice;
(iii) Money distributed from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal
Bays 2010 Trust Fund under § 8–2A–04 of this article;
(iv) Subject to approval by the Secretary and the Board of Public
Works, a portion of the revenues derived from the forestry practices on designated lands
owned and managed by the Department, that are conducted in accordance with applicable
State law and regulation; and
(v) Money appropriated to the Fund under paragraph (2) of this
subsection.
(2) For fiscal year [2021] 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor
shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of [$50,000] $1,000,000 to the
Fund.
5–903.
LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
– 25 –
(a) (2) (ii) 1. As specified in subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, a
portion of the State’s share of funds available under subparagraph (i)1A of this paragraph
for this program shall be utilized to make grants to Baltimore City for projects which meet
park purposes. The grants shall be in addition to any funds Baltimore City is eligible to
receive under subsection (b) of this section, and may be used for acquisition or development.
In order for Baltimore City to be eligible for a State grant, the Department shall review
projects or land to be acquired within Baltimore City, and upon the Department’s
recommendation, the Board of Public Works may approve projects and land including the
cost. Title to the land shall be in the name of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City.
The State is not responsible for costs involved in the development or maintenance of the
land.
2. The grants to Baltimore City under subsubparagraph 1 of
this subparagraph shall be made in the following amounts:
A. For fiscal year 2017, $1,500,000;
B. For fiscal year 2018, $3,500,000;
C. For fiscal year 2019, $5,500,000; [and]
D. For fiscal [year] YEARS 2020 THROUGH 2023, [and for
each subsequent fiscal year,] $6,000,000; AND
E. FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 AND EACH FISCAL YEAR
THEREAFTER , $10,000,000.
3. The grants made under this subparagraph supplement
rather than supplant any other funding for park purposes in Baltimore City, no matter the
source.
5–9A–01.
(a) The General Assembly declares that:
(1) Sprawl development and other modifications to the landscape in
Maryland continue at an alarming rate, consuming land rich in natural resource,
agricultural, and forestry value, adversely affecting water quality, wetlands and habitat,
threatening resource–based economies and cultural assets, and rending the fabric of rural
life;
(2) Current State, county, and local land conservation programs help to
limit the effect of sprawl development but lack sufficient funding and focus to preserve key
areas before escalating land values make their protection impossible or the land is lost to
development; and
Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 26 –
(3) A grant program that leverages available funding, focuses on
preservation of strategic resources, including those resources threatened by sprawl
development, streamlines real property acquisition procedures to expedite land
preservation, takes advantage of innovative preservation techniques such as transferable
development rights and the purchase of development rights, and promotes a greater level
of natural and environmental resources protection than is provided by existing efforts, will
establish a rural legacy for future generations.
(b) (1) A Rural Legacy Program is established to enhance natural resource,
agricultural, forestry, and environmental protection as provided in subsection (a) of this
section while maintaining the viability of resource–based land usage and proper
management of tillable and wooded areas through accepted agricultural and silvicultural
practices for farm production and timber harvests.
(2) The Program provides funds to the local governments and land trusts
to purchase interests in real property from willing sellers, including easements,
transferable development rights, and fee estates, focused in designated Rural Legacy
Areas.
(3) The Program shall encourage partnerships among the federal, State,
and local governments, and nonprofit land trust organizations and encourage local land
conservation initiatives.
(4) The Program is administered by a Rural Legacy Board in the
Department of Natural Resources, an advisory committee, and existing State staff.
(c) The Program is funded:
(1) Pursuant to § 13–209 of the Tax – Property Article and § 5–903(a)(2)(iii)
of this title; [and]
(2) By the proceeds from the sale of general obligation bonds as provided
in § 5–9A–09 of this subtitle; AND
(3) BY MONEY APPROPRIATED IN THE STATE BUDGET TO THE
PROGRAM.
(d) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024, THE GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUD E IN THE
ANNUAL BUDGET BILL A N APPROPRIATION OF $5,444,127 TO THE PROGRAM.
(E) When negotiating and awarding grants, the Board shall encourage sponsors
to utilize zero coupon bonds in the implementation of the Rural Legacy Plan in order to
reduce the utilization of general obligation bonds in funding the grants.
5–1012. LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
– 27 –
(A) IN THIS SECTION, “PARTNERSHIP PARK ” MEANS A UNIT OF THE STATE
PARK SYSTEM MANAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN PARTNER SHIP WITH A LOCAL
GOVERNMENT , A BICOUNTY AGENCY , OR A NONPROFIT ORGAN IZATION.
(B) THE DEPARTMENT MAY ENTER INTO:
(1) A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERS TANDING WITH A LOCAL
GOVERNMENT , BICOUNTY AGENCY , OR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION TO ESTA BLISH A
PARTNERSHIP PARK IN THE STATE; OR
(2) A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMEN T WITH A LOCAL GOVER NMENT,
BICOUNTY AGENCY , OR NONPROFIT ORGANIZ ATION TO MANAGE A PA RTNERSHIP
PARK IN THE STATE.
(B) (C) (1) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ESTA BLISH THE FREEDMAN’S
STATE HISTORICAL PARK AS A PARTNERSHIP PARK THAT SEEKS TO E DUCATE THE
PUBLIC ABOUT AND PRE SERVE AND INTERPRET THE LIVES AND EXPERI ENCES OF
BLACK AMERICANS BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER THE ABOLIT ION OF SLAVERY.
(2) FREEDMAN’S STATE HISTORICAL PARK SHALL BE HELD BY THE
STATE AS A STATE PARK UNDER THE PROTECTION AND ADMIN ISTRATION OF THE
DEPARTMENT .
(C) (D) THE PARK FREEDMAN’S STATE HISTORICAL PARK SHALL
CONSIST OF PROPERTIE S IN NORTHEASTERN MONTGOMERY COUNTY IN OR NEAR
THE COMMUNITIES OF BROOKEVILLE, OLNEY, SANDY SPRING, ZION, AND
LAYTONSVILLE THAT ARE :
(1) OWNED BY THE STATE AND DESIGNATED BY THE DEPARTMENT AS
PART OF THE PARK ; AND
(2) (I) OWNED BY A LOCAL GOVE RNMENT, A BICOUNTY AGENCY ,
OR A NONPROFIT ORGAN IZATION; AND
(II) DESIGNATED AS PART OF THE PARK BY A PARTNE RSHIP
AGREEMENT BETWEEN TH E OWNER OF THE PROPE RTY AND THE STATE.
(D) (E) (1) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ESTA BLISH A STAKEHOLDE R
ADVISORY COMMITTEE T O ADVISE THE DEPARTMENT ON THE SCO PE AND
MANAGEMENT OF THE PARK FREEDMAN’S STATE HISTORICAL PARK.
(2) THE STAKEHOLDER ADVIS ORY COMMITTEE SHALL CONSIST OF
THE FOLLOWING MEMBER S: Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 28 –
(I) A REPRESENTATIVE OF MONTGOMERY PARKS,
DESIGNATED BY MONTGOMERY PARKS’ DIRECTOR OF PARKS;
(II) A REPRESENTATIVE OF TH E HERITAGE TOURISM
ALLIANCE OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, DESIGNATED BY THE ALLIANCE’S
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR;
(III) A REPRESENTATIVE OF TH E SANDY SPRING SLAVE
MUSEUM, DESIGNATED BY THE MUSEUM’S DIRECTOR;
(IV) A REPRESENTATIVE OF TH E SANDY SPRING MUSEUM,
DESIGNATED BY THE MUSEUM’S PRESIDENT; AND
(V) ANY OTHER MEMBERS AS DETERMINED BY THE
DEPARTMENT .
(3) TO THE EXTENT PRACTIC ABLE, THE STAKEHOLDER ADVI SORY
COMMITTEE SHALL REFL ECT THE DIVERSITY OF NORTHEASTERN MONTGOMERY
COUNTY.
(E) (F) ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2023, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL
SUBMIT A REPORT TO T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF
THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, ON:
(1) PROPERTY OWNED BY THE STATE IN NORTHEASTERN
MONTGOMERY COUNTY THAT IS SUITAB LE FOR INCLUSIO N IN FREEDMAN’S STATE
HISTORICAL PARK;
(2) PROPERTY OWNED BY A L OCAL GOVERNMENT , A BICOUNTY
AGENCY, OR A NONPROFIT ORGAN IZATION IN NORTHEAST ERN MONTGOMERY
COUNTY THAT IS SUITAB LE FOR INCLUSION IN THE PARK FREEDMAN’S STATE
HISTORICAL PARK AND FOR WHICH THE LANDOWNERS ARE W ILLING TO ENTER
INTO A PARTNERSHIP A GREEMENT; AND
(3) THE FUNDING NEEDED TO ESTABLISH AND PROMOT E THE PARK
FREEDMAN’S STATE HISTORICAL PARK.
(G) (1) (I) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ESTA BLISH THE PORT OF
DEPOSIT STATE HISTORICAL PARK AS A PARTNERSHIP PARK THA T SEEKS TO
EDUCATE THE PUBLIC A BOUT AND PRESERVE AN D INTERPRET THE LIVE S AND
EXPERIENCES OF BLACK AMERICANS BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER THE ABOLIT ION OF
SLAVERY. LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
– 29 –
(II) PORT OF DEPOSIT STATE HISTORICAL PARK SHALL BE
HELD BY THE STATE AS A STATE PARK UNDER THE PROTECTION AND
ADMINISTRATION OF TH E DEPARTMENT .
(2) PORT OF DEPOSIT STATE HISTORICAL PARK SHALL CONSIST OF
A PORTION OF THE BAINBRIDGE NAVAL TRAINING CENTER SITE, MEASURING NOT
LESS THAN 120 ACRES AND NOT MORE T HAN 150 ACRES, THAT THE BAINBRIDGE
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TRANSFERS TO THE DEPARTMENT , INCLUDING:
(I) THE HISTORIC TOME SCHOOL;
(II) THE SNOW HILL ARCHAEOLOGICAL S ITE; AND
(III) THE ADJACENT WOODED C ONSERVATION AREA .
(3) (I) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ESTA BLISH A STAKEHOLDER
ADVISORY COMMITTEE T O ADVISE THE DEPARTMENT ON THE SCO PE AND
MANAGEMENT OF PORT OF DEPOSIT STATE HISTORICAL PARK.
(II) THE STAKEHOLDER ADVIS ORY COMMITTEE SHALL CONSIST
OF THE FOLLOWING MEM BERS:
1. ONE MEMBER DESIGNATED BY THE MAYOR AND TOWN
COUNCIL OF PORT DEPOSIT;
2. TWO MEMBERS DESIGNATE D BY THE CECIL COUNTY
DELEGATION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY;
3. THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OF CECIL COUNTY, OR THE
COUNTY EXECUTIVE’S DESIGNEE;
4. THE PRESIDENT OF THE CECIL COUNTY COUNCIL, OR
THE PRESIDENT’S DESIGNEE;
5. THE PRESIDENT OF THE CECIL COUNTY BRANCH OF
THE NAACP, OR THE PRESIDENT’S DESIGNEE;
6. THE PRESIDENT OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF
CECIL COUNTY, OR THE PRESIDENT’S DESIGNEE;
7. THE DIRECTOR OF THE CECIL COUNTY DEPARTMENT
OF PARKS AND RECREATION;
Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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8. THE FOLLOWING NONVOTI NG EX OFFICIO MEMBER S:
A. THE SECRETARY, OR THE SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE;
B. THE DIRECTOR OF THE MARYLAND HISTORICAL
TRUST, OR THE DIRECTOR’S DESIGNEE;
C. THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOWER SUSQUEHANNA
HERITAGE GREENWAY, OR THE PRESIDENT’S DESIGNEE;
D. THE SUPERINTENDENT OF CECIL COUNTY PUBLIC
SCHOOLS;
E. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CECIL COUNTY
PUBLIC LIBRARY; AND
F. THE PRESIDENT OF CECIL COLLEGE; AND
9. ANY OTHER MEMB ERS AS DETERMINED BY THE
DEPARTMENT .
(III) TO THE EXTENT PRACTIC ABLE, THE STAKEHOLDER
ADVISORY COMMITTEE S HALL REFLECT THE DIV ERSITY OF CECIL COUNTY.
(4) ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2023, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL
SUBMIT A REPORT TO T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF
THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE ON:
(I) PROPERTY THAT IS SUIT ABLE FOR INCLUSION I N PORT OF
DEPOSIT STATE HISTORICAL PARK; AND
(II) THE FUNDING NEEDED TO ESTABLISH AND PROMOT E PORT
OF DEPOSIT STATE HISTORICAL PARK.
(H) IT IS THE INTENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT IF THE STATE
ACQUIRES CARR’S BEACH FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING THE PROPER TY A STATE
PARK, THAT THE PROPERTY SH ALL BE A PARTNERSHIP PARK ESTABLISHED AND
MAINTAINED IN A MANN ER SUBSTANTIALLY SIM ILAR TO THE REQUIREM ENTS
ESTABLISHED UNDER SU BSECTIONS (B) THROUGH (D) OF THIS SECTION.
(H) (I) (1) IN THIS SUBSECTION , “WALDORF CORE ZONE ” MEANS A
GEOGRAPHICAL AREA IN CHARLES COUNTY WITHIN THE FOL LOWING BOUNDARIES :
(I) NORTH OF BILLINGSLEY ROAD; LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
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(II) SOUTH OF MATTAWOMAN CREEK;
(III) EAST OF BENSVILLE ROAD; AND
(IV) WEST OF MARYLAND ROUTE 5.
(2) IT IS THE INTENT OF T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT IF THE
STATE ACQUIRES PROPER TY IN THE WALDORF CORE ZONE FOR THE PURPOSE OF
MAKING THE PROPERTY A STATE PARK, THE PROPERTY SHALL BE A PARTNERSHIP
PARK ESTABLISHED AND MAINTAINED IN A MANN ER SUBSTANTIALLY SIM ILAR TO
THE REQUIREMENTS EST ABLISHED UNDER SUBSE CTIONS (B) THROUGH (D) OF THIS
SECTION.
(I) (J) IT IS THE INTENT OF T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT IF THE
STATE ACQUIRES HILL ROAD PARK IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY FOR THE
PURPOSE OF MAKING TH E PROPERTY A STATE PARK, THE PROPERTY SHALL B E A
PARTNERSHIP PARK EST ABLISHED AND MAINTAI NED IN A MANNER SUBS TANTIALLY
SIMILAR TO THE REQUI REMENTS ESTABLISHED UNDER SUBSECTIONS (B) THROUGH
(D) OF THIS SECTION.
Article – Agriculture
2–505.
(a) The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Fund is created and continued
for the purposes specified in this subtitle.
(b) The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Fund shall comprise:
(1) Any money made available to the Fund by general or special fund
appropriations;
(2) Any money made available to the Fund by grants or transfers from
governmental or private sources; and
(3) Any money received under § 2–513(c) of this subtitle.
(I) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024, THE GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUD E IN THE
ANNUAL BUDGET BILL A N APPROPRIATION OF $18,564,469 $16,564,469 TO THE
FUND.
Article – Economic Development
10–501. Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(f) “Corporation” means the Maryland Agricultural and Resource –Based
Industry Development Corporation.
10–523.
(a) (1) The Corporation may receive annual funding through an appropriation
in the State budget.
(2) The Corporation may also receive money for projects included in the
budgets of State units.
(3) (i) To assist the Corporation in complying with subsection (c) of this
section, the Governor shall include each year in the State budget bill an appropriation to
the Corporation for rural business development and assistance as follows:
1. for fiscal year 2021, $2,875,000; and
2. for each of the fiscal years 2022 through 2025, $2,735,000.
(ii) 1. [In] EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBSUBPARAGRAPH 2
OF THIS SUBPARAGRAPH , IN addition to any money provided under subparagraph (i) of
this paragraph, the Governor may include each year in the State budget bill an
appropriation to the Corporation in an amount not exceeding $5,000,000 for rural land
acquisition and easement programs, including programs to assist young and beginning
farmers.
2. FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024, THE GOVERNOR SHALL
INCLUDE IN THE ANNUA L BUDGET BILL A GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATION IN THE
AMOUNT OF $10,000,000 TO THE CORPORATION FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
FARMLAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM.
Article – State Finance and Procurement
6–226.
(a) (2) (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and unless
inconsistent with a federal law, grant agreement, or other federal requirement or with the
terms of a gift or settlement agreement, net interest on all State money allocated by the
State Treasurer under this section to special funds or accounts, and otherwise entitled to
receive interest earnings, as accounted for by the Comptroller, shall accrue to the General
Fund of the State.
LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
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(ii) The provisions of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph do not apply
to the following funds:
144. the Health Equity Resource Community Reserve Fund;
[and]
145. the Access to Counsel in Evictions Special Fund;
146. THE PARK SYSTEM CRITICAL MAINTENANCE FUND;
AND
147. THE PARK SYSTEM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND
ACQUISITION FUND; AND
148. THE GREAT MARYLAND OUTDOORS FUND.
13–109.
(a) In this section, “small procurement” means a procurement for which:
(1) a unit spends $50,000 or less;
(2) a contractor provides services subject to § 11–202(3) of this article for
expected annual revenues of $50,000 or less;
(3) the Department of General Services or the Department of
Transportation is seeking to award a procurement contract for a construction with a value
that is $100,000 or less; [or]
(4) THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES IS SEEKING TO
AWARD A PROCUREMENT CONTRACT FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS OR MAINTENA NCE
WITH A VALUE THAT IS $100,000 OR LESS; OR
(5) for purposes of administering Title 29, Subtitle 1 of the State Personnel
and Pensions Article, the State Retirement Agency spends $50,000 or less during a fiscal
year for:
(i) expenses related to independent medical evaluations by a
physician; and
(ii) any expenses related to testimony by the physician at
administrative hearings on behalf of the Agency.
(b) A unit may make small procurements in accordance with the regulations of
primary procurement units. Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(c) A primary procurement unit may not create a small procurement by artificial
division of a procurement.
(d) Any regulation of a primary procurement unit to govern small procurements:
(1) shall provide for a simplified administrative procedure;
(2) shall be consistent with the basic intent of this Division II; and
(3) may not be disadvantageous economically to the State.
(e) At least every 3 years, the Board shall:
(1) review the prevailing costs of labor and materials; and
(2) if warranted by changes in cost, recommend to the General Assembly
appropriate adjustments in the ceiling for a small procurement.
Article – Tax – Property
13–209.
(g) (1) [(i) For each of fiscal years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, the
Governor shall include in the budget bill a General Fund appropriation in the amount of
$2,500,000 to the Maryland Agricultural and Resource–Based Industry Development
Corporation for the Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program authorized under §
10–523(a)(3)(ii) of the Economic Development Article.
(ii) The appropriation required under subparagraph (i) of this
paragraph:
1. represents reimbursement for 13.9% of the cumulative
amount appropriated or transferred from the special fund to the General Fund for fiscal
year 2006; and
2. is not subject to the provisions of subsections (a) through
(f) of this section.
(2) (i) 1. The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill for
fiscal year 2021 a General Fund appropriation to the special fund in the amount of
$5,690,501.]
[2.] (I) The Governor shall include in [each of] the annual
budget [bills] BILL for fiscal [years 2022 and] YEAR 2023 a General Fund appropriation to
the special fund in the amount of $12,500,000. LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
– 35 –
[3. The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill for
fiscal year 2024 a General Fund appropriation to the special fund in the amount of
$6,809,499.]
(ii) The [appropriations] APPROPRIATION required under
subparagraph (i) of this paragraph:
1. [are] IS not subject to the provisions of subsections (a), (b),
(c), and (f) of this section;
2. shall be allocated as provided in subsection (d) of this
section and § 5–903 of the Natural Resources Article; and
3. shall be reduced by the amount of any appropriation from
the General Fund to the special fund that:
A. exceeds the required appropriation under this paragraph;
and
B. is identified as an appropriation for reimbursement under
this paragraph.
[(3)] (2) (i) [1.] The Governor shall include in [each of] the annual
budget [bills] BILL for fiscal year [2019 and fiscal years] 2023 [through 2026] a General
Fund appropriation to the special fund in the amount of $6,000,000 [and for fiscal year
2027 a General Fund appropriation to the special fund in the amount of $4,000,000] for
park development and the critical maintenance of State projects located on lands managed
by the Department of Natural Resources for public purposes.
[2. The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill for
fiscal year 2022 only a General Fund appropriation to the special fund in the amount of
$21,930,475 for the critical maintenance of State projects located on lands managed by the
Department of Natural Resources for public purposes.]
(ii) The [appropriations] APPROPRIATION required under
subparagraph (i) of this paragraph:
1. [are] IS not subject to the provisions of subsections (a), (b),
(c), and (f) of this section; AND
2. [shall be made until the cumulative total amount
appropriated under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph is equal to $55,930,475; and
Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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3.] shall be reduced by the amount of any appropriation from
the General Fund to the special fund that:
A. exceeds the required appropriation under this paragraph;
B. is identified as an appropriation for reimbursement under
this paragraph; and
C. supplements rather than supplants the Department of
Natural Resources funding for the critical maintenance of State projects on State lands,
based on the average critical maintenance budget of the 10 years pr eceding the
appropriation.
[(4)] (3) (i) 1. [Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the
Governor shall appropriate from the General Fund to the special fund $119,800,225, which
equals the cumulative amount of the appropriations or transfers from the special fund to
the General Fund for fiscal years 2016, 2017, and 2018, less $104,365,475.
2. For fiscal year 2022 only, the Governor shall include in the
annual budget bill a General Fund appropriation in the amount of $1,200,000 to the State
Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund established under § 8–205 of the Natural Resources
Article to be used only to fund a pilot dredging project at Deep Creek Lake, which is not
required to be matched by local funds.
3.] For [each of] fiscal [years] YEAR 2023, [2024, 2025, 2026,
and 2027,] the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill a General Fund
appropriation in the amount of $2,500,000 to the Maryland Agricultural and
Resource–Based Industry Development Corporation for the Next Generation Farmland
Acquisition Program authorized under § 10–523(a)(3)(ii) of the Economic Development
Article.
[4.] 2. For fiscal year 2025 only, the Governor shall include in the
annual budget bill a General Fund appropriation in the amount of $2,735,000 to the
Maryland Agricultural and Resource –Based Industry Development Corporation
established under Title 10, Subtitle 5 of the Economic Development Article to be used as
follows:
A. $2,300,000 to support the Corporation’s rural business
loan programs and small matching grant programs; and
B. $435,000 for grants and near–equity investments to:
I. support the creation or expansion of agricultural product
aggregation and storage sites; and
LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
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II. facilitate participation in the Certified Local Farm
Enterprise Program.
(ii) [The Governor shall appropriate at least:
1. $8,230,475 on or before June 30, 2022;
2. an additional $37,986,900 on or before June 30, 2026;
3. an additional $48,221,900 on or before June 30, 2030; and
4. an additional $25,360,950 on or before June 30, 2031.
(iii)] The appropriations required under [subparagraphs]
SUBPARAGRAPH (i) [and (ii)] of this paragraph:
1. [represent reimbursement for the cumulative amount of
any appropriation or transfer from the special fund to the General Fund for fiscal years
2016, 2017, and 2018, less $104,365,475;
2.] are not subject to the provisions of subsections (a), (b), (c),
and (f) of this section;
[3.] 2. Shall be allocated as provided in subsection (d) of this
section and § 5–903 of the Natural Resources Article; AND
[4. Shall be made until the cumulative total appropriated
under subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of this paragraph is equal to the cumulative amount of any
appropriation or transfer from the special fund to the General Fund for fiscal years 2016,
2017, and 2018, less $104,365,475; and]
[5.] 3. shall be reduced by the amount of any appropriation from
the General Fund to the special fund that:
A. exceeds the required appropriation under this paragraph;
and
B. is identified as an appropriation for reimbursement under
this paragraph.
Article – Labor and Employment
9–207.
Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(a) A PARK SERVICES ASSOCI ATE, A FOREST RANGER , A PARK RANGER , A
WILDLIFE RANGER , A registered crew member, a paid law enforcement employee, or an
individual engaged for fire fighting by the Department of Natural Resources is a covered
employee.
(b) Notwithstanding § 9–203 of this subtitle, an individual engaged for fire
fighting who otherwise would be a covered employee under subsection (a) of this section is
a covered employee even if the fire fighting takes place outside of the State.
(c) Notwithstanding § 9–205 of this subtitle, an individual who otherwise would
be a covered employee under subsection (a) of this section is a covered employee even if
engaged temporarily or part time.
(d) For the purpose of this title, the Department of Natural Resources is the
employer of an individual who is a covered employee under this section.
9–503.
(a) A PARK SERVICES ASSOCI ATE, FOREST RANGER , PARK RANGER ,
WILDLIFE RANGER , paid firefighter, paid fire fighting instructor, paid rescue squad
member, paid advanced life support unit member, or sworn member of the Office of the
State Fire Marshal employed by an airport authority, a county, a fire control district, a
municipality, or the State or a volunteer firefighter, volunteer fire fighting instructor,
volunteer rescue squad member, or volunteer advanced life support unit member who is a
covered employee under § 9–234 of this title is presumed to have an occupational disease
that was suffered in the line of duty and is compensable under this title if:
(1) the individual has heart disease, hypertension, or lung disease;
(2) the heart disease, hypertension, or lung disease results in partial or
total disability or death; and
(3) in the case of a volunteer firefighter, volunteer fire fighting instructor,
volunteer rescue squad member, or volunteer advanced life support unit member, the
individual has met a suitable standard of physical examination before becoming a
firefighter, fire fighting instructor, rescue squad member, or advanced life support unit
member.
(b) (1) A paid police officer employed by an airport authority, a county, the
Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission, a municipality, or the State,
a deputy sheriff of Montgomery County, or, subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a
deputy sheriff of Anne Arundel County, Anne Arundel County detention officer, deputy
sheriff of Baltimore City, Montgomery County correctional officer, Prince George’s County
deputy sheriff, Prince George’s County correctional officer, or deputy sheriff of Allegany
County is presumed to be suffering from an occupational disease that was suffered in the
line of duty and is compensable under this title if: LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
– 39 –
(i) the police officer, deputy sheriff, or correctional officer is
suffering from heart disease or hypertension; and
(ii) the heart disease or hypertension results in partial or total
disability or death.
(2) (i) A deputy sheriff of Anne Arundel County, Anne Arundel County
detention officer, deputy sheriff of Baltimore City, Montgomery County correctional officer,
Prince George’s County deputy sheriff, or Prince George’s County correctional officer is
entitled to the presumption under this subsection only to the extent that the individual
suffers from heart disease or hypertension that is more severe than the individual’s heart
disease or hypertension condition existing prior to the individual’s employment as a deputy
sheriff of Anne Arundel County, Anne Arundel County detention officer, deputy sheriff of
Baltimore City, Montgomery County correctional officer, Prince George’s County deputy
sheriff, or Prince George’s County correctional officer.
(ii) To be eligible for the presumption under this subsection, a deputy
sheriff of Anne Arundel County, Anne Arundel County detention officer, deputy sheriff of
Baltimore City, Montgomery County correctional officer, Prince George’s County deputy
sheriff, or Prince George’s County correctional officer, as a condition of employment, shall
submit to a medical examination to determine any heart disease or hypertension condition
existing prior to the individual’s employment as a deputy sheriff of Anne Arundel County,
Anne Arundel County detention officer, deputy sheriff of Baltimore City, Montgomery
County correctional officer, Prince George’s County deputy sheriff, or Prince George’s
County correctional officer.
(c) A PARK SERVICES ASSOCI ATE, FOREST RANGER, PARK RANGER ,
WILDLIFE RANGER , paid firefighter, paid fire fighting instructor, paid rescue squad
member, paid advanced life support unit member, or a sworn member of the Office of the
State Fire Marshal employed by an airport authority, a county, a fire control district, a
municipality, or the State or a volunteer firefighter, volunteer fire fighting instructor,
volunteer rescue squad member, or volunteer advanced life support unit member who is a
covered employee under § 9–234 of this title is presumed to be suffering from an
occupational disease that was suffered in the line of duty and is compensable under this
title if:
(1) the individual has leukemia or prostate, rectal, throat, multiple
myeloma, non–Hodgkin’s lymphoma, brain, testicular, bladder, kidney or renal cell, or
breast cancer that is caused by contact with a toxic substance that the individual has
encountered in the line of duty;
(2) the individual has completed at least 10 years of cumulative service
within the State as a firefighter, a fire fighting instructor, a rescue squad member, or an
advanced life support unit member or in a combination of those jobs;
Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(3) the cancer or leukemia results in partial or total disability or death; and
(4) in the case of a volunteer firefighter, volunteer fire fighting instructor,
volunteer rescue squad member, or volunteer advanced life support unit member, the
individual has met a suitable standard of physical examination before becoming a
firefighter, fire fighting instructor, rescue squad member, or advanced life support unit
member.
(d) (1) A PARK SERVICES ASSOCI ATE, FOREST RANGER , PARK RANGER ,
WILDLIFE RANGER , paid law enforcement employee of the Department of Natural
Resources who is a covered employee under § 9–207 of this title, and a park police officer of
the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission is presumed to have an
occupational disease that was suffered in the line of duty and is compensable under this
title if the [employee] INDIVIDUAL:
(i) is suffering from Lyme disease; and
(ii) was not suffering from Lyme disease before assignment to a
position that regularly places the employee in an outdoor wooded environment.
(2) The presumption under this subsection for a park police officer of the
Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission shall only apply:
(i) during the time that the park police officer is assigned to a
position that regularly places the park police officer in an outdoor wooded environment;
and
(ii) for 3 years after the last date that the park police officer was
assigned by the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission to a position
that regularly placed the officer in an outdoor wooded environment.
(e) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, any paid
firefighter, paid fire fighting instructor, sworn member of the Office of the State Fire
Marshal, paid police officer, PARK SERVICES ASSOCI ATE, FOREST RANGER , PARK
RANGER, WILDLIFE RANGER , paid law enforcement employee of the Department of
Natural Resources, deputy sheriff of Anne Arundel County, Anne Arundel County
detention officer, park police officer of the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning
Commission, deputy sheriff of Montgomery County, deputy sheriff of Baltimore City,
Montgomery County correctional officer, deputy sheriff of Prince George’s County, or Prince
George’s County correctional officer who is eligible for benefits under subsection (a), (b), (c),
or (d) of this section or the dependents of those individuals shall receive the benefits in
addition to any benefits that the individual or the dependents of the individual are entitled
to receive under the retirement system in which the individual was a participant at the
time of the claim.
LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
– 41 –
(2) The benefits received under this title shall be adjusted so that the
weekly total of those benefits and retirement benefits does not exceed the weekly salary
that was paid to [the paid law enforcement employee of the Department of Natural
Resources, a park police officer of the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning
Commission, firefighter, fire fighting instructor, sworn member of the Office of the State
Fire Marshal, police officer, deputy sheriff, Prince George’s County or Montgomery County
correctional officer, or Anne Arundel County detention officer] AN INDIVIDUAL SPECIF IED
UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION .
Article – Tax – General
10–209.
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Correctional officer” means an individual who:
(i) was employed in:
1. a State correctional facility, as defined in § 1–101 of the
Correctional Services Article;
2. a local correctional facility, as defined in § 1–101 of the
Correctional Services Article;
3. a juvenile facility included in § 9–226 of the Human
Services Article; or
4. a facility of the United States that is equivalent to a State
or local correctional facility or a juvenile facility included in § 9–226 of the Human Services
Article; and
(ii) is eligible to receive retirement income attributable to the
individual’s employment under item (i) of this paragraph.
(3) “Emergency services personnel” means emergency medical technicians
or paramedics.
(4) (i) “Employee retirement system” means a plan:
1. established and maintained by an employer for the benefit
of its employees; and
2. qualified under § 401(a), § 403, or § 457(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code.
Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(ii) “Employee retirement system” does not include:
1. an individual retirement account or annuity under § 408
of the Internal Revenue Code;
2. a Roth individual retirement account under § 408A of the
Internal Revenue Code;
3. a rollover individual retirement account;
4. a simplified employee pension under Internal Revenue
Code § 408(k); or
5. an ineligible deferred compensation plan under § 457(f) of
the Internal Revenue Code.
(b) Subject to subsections (d) and (e) of this section, to determine Maryland
adjusted gross income, if, on the last day of the taxable year, a resident is at least 65 years
old or is totally disabled or the resident’s spouse is totally disabled, or the resident is at
least 55 years old and is a retired PARK SERVICES ASSOCI ATE, FOREST RANGER , PARK
RANGER, WILDLIFE RANGER , correctional officer, law enforcement officer, or fire, rescue,
or emergency services personnel of the United States, the State, or a political subdivision
of the State, an amount is subtracted from federal adjusted gross income equal to the lesser
of:
(1) the cumulative or total annuity, pension, or endowment income from an
employee retirement system included in federal adjusted gross income; or
(2) the maximum annual benefit under the Social Security Act computed
under subsection (c) of this section, less any payment received as old age, survivors, or
disability benefits under the Social Security Act, the Railroad Retirement Act, or both.
(c) For purposes of subsection (b)(2) of this section, the Comptroller:
(1) shall determine the maximum annual benefit under the Social Security
Act allowed for an individual who retired at age 65 for the prior calendar year; and
(2) may allow the subtraction to the nearest $100.
(d) Military retirement income that is included in the subtraction under §
10–207(q) of this subtitle may not be taken into account for purposes of the subtraction
under this section.
(e) In the case of a retired PARK SERVICES ASSOCI ATE, FOREST RANGER ,
PARK RANGER , WILDLIFE RANGER , correctional officer, law enforcement officer, or fire,
rescue, or emergency services personnel of the United States, the State, or a political LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 39
– 43 –
subdivision of the State, the amount included under subsection (b)(1) of this section is
limited to the first $15,000 of retirement income that is attributable to the resident’s
employment as a PARK SERVICES ASSOCI ATE, FOREST RANGER , PARK RANGER ,
WILDLIFE RANGER , correctional officer, [a] law enforcement officer, or fire, rescue, or
emergency services personnel of the United States, the State, or a political subdivision of
the State unless:
(1) the resident is at least 65 years old or is totally disabled; or
(2) the resident’s spouse is totally disabled.
Chapter 698 of the Acts of 2018
SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect July
1, 2018. It shall remain effective for a period of [4] 7 years and, at the end of June 30,
[2022] 2025, this Act, with no further action required by the General Assembly, shall be
abrogated and of no further force and effect.
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, notwithstanding any other
provision of law, on or before June 30, 2022, the Governor may transfer to the Park System
Capital Improvements and Acquisition Fund established in § 5–221 of the Natural
Resources Article, as enacted by Section 1 of this Act, $60,000,000 $43,126,072 of the funds
for State land acquisition under Program Open Space in the special fund established under
§ 13–209 of the Tax – Property Article. A transfer of funds from the special fund established
under § 13–209 of the Tax – Property Article to the Park System Capital Improvements
and Acquisition Fund under this section may not be taken into account for purposes of
determining any allocation or appropriation required under § 13–209(f) or (g) of the Tax –
Property Article.
SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Parks and Recreation
Commission established in § 5–2A–03 of the Natural Resources Article, as enacted by
Section 1 of this Act, shall provide oversight to the Maryland Park Service on the
implementation of this Act.
SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, on or before December 1,
2022, the Department of Natural Resources shall report to the General Assembly, in
accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the possibility of reopening
Fort Tonoloway State Park after the conclusion of the archaeological excavation of the park,
including:
(1) whether the site of historic Fort Tonoloway is determined to be located
within the park;
(2) if the site of historic Fort Tonoloway is located within the park, whether
the site will be redesignated from a State park to be a historic site; and
Ch. 39 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(3) if the site of historic Fort Tonoloway is not located within the park,
when the site will be reopened to the public for recreational use.
SECTION 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, on or before June 1, 2023, the
Bainbridge Development Corporation shall transfer to the Department of Natural Resources
a portion of the Bainbridge Naval Training Center site consisting of not less than 120 acres
and not more than 150 acres, including:
(1) the historic Tome School;
(2) the Snow Hill archaeological site; and
(3) the adjacent wooded conservation area.
SECTION 5. 6. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, on or before July 1, 2022,
the Department of Budget and Management shall revise the job title of employees with the
job title “Park Service Associate” to have the job title “State Park Ranger”.
SECTION 6. 7. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That on or before October 1,
2023, the Department of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Maryland
Department of Labor, shall:
(1) identify opportunities to create registered apprenticeship programs to
help address workforce shortages and the career workforce needs of the Department of
Natural Resources, including:
(i) apprenticeships that allow an individual to earn a college degree;
and
(ii) registered apprenticeships for high school students; and
(2) report the findings under subsection (1) of this section to the Senate
Budget and Taxation Committee and the House Appropriations Committee, in accordance
with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article.
SECTION 7. 8. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That if Chapter ____ (S.B.
942/H.B. 855) does not take effect, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an
appropriation of $2,000,000 to the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Fund, in
addition to any other funds required to be appropriated to the Fund under this Act.
SECTION 4. 8. 9. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
July June 1, 2022.
Enacted under Article II, § 17(b) of the Maryland Constitution, April 9, 2022.